My Work Permit was Lost or Stolen

My Work Permit Was Lost or Stolen

If your work permit was lost or stolen, you’ll need to replace it as soon as possible.
Officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), your work permit is physical proof of your right to work in the United States. And for many individuals, it’s also their only form of government-issued identification.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Work Permit

Did you know 8% of all USCIS applications are rejected?
And many more get denied. When filing Form I-765 to replace your work permit, it’s very important to prepare the application according to the instructions. Errors, omissions and inconsistencies can cause delays. In the worst cases, these mistakes create long-term immigration problems. The application can be downloaded from USCIS, or you can use the services of CitizenPath to help you prepare it. The low-cost service is free to try.

So far today 27 people have used CitizenPath to help prepare Form I-765

How CitizenPath Helps You Replace a Lost or Stolen Work Permit

CitizenPath helps you prepare Form I-765 by providing step-by-step instructions that save you time and avoid costly delays. CitizenPath even provides alerts if you answer a question in a way that might be a problem. It only takes about 10 minutes, and you’ll be able to file Form I-765 to replace your lost/stolen work permit today. Plus, we guarantee that USCIS will accept your application.

More Questions about Replacing a Lost or Stolen Work Permit

There aren’t many alternatives to a work permit. If your work permit was lost or stolen, you have no proof of employment authorization and your potential employer has the right to refuse to higher you.

The employer has no obligation to higher you, but they may be willing to accommodate your situation. For example, if you have a photocopy of your lost/stolen work permit, see if the employer will accept it until you get the new one. Or, offer the I-797 Notice of Action as proof that you are replacing your work permit. The Notice of Action is a receipt letter than you’ll receive approximately two weeks after filing Form I-765.

No. Unless they ask, there is no reason to inform your employer that the work permit was lost or stolen. However, if they ask you to provide proof of your employment authorization again, you will need to provide your work permit.

You will need to submit several other items with your completed Form I-765. They include the USCIS filing fee (if applicable), a copy of your Form I-94 (if available), a copy of your last EAD (or government issued ID if a prior EAD was never issued), and two identical color photographs of yourself. Based on your eligibility category, additional requirements vary. Specific details about required documentation will be printed on your personalized instructions once you complete Form I-765 through CitizenPath. Get started.